Thermostat with reconfigurable input/output ports

ABSTRACT

A method and system for reconfiguring a thermostat for use with an HVAC system includes providing at least one output port, pre-configuring the at least one output port for a function, and reconfiguring the at least one output port for an alternate function via a processor.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/205,073 filed on Aug. 14, 2015, titled “THEMOSTAT WITH RECONFIGURABLE INPUT/OUTPUT PORTS,” assigned to the assignee hereof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to the field of thermostats, and more particularly to thermostats with reconfigurable input/output ports.

Thermostats for use with residential and commercial HVAC systems often require a number of input/output ports to provide control of HVAC components. Often these input/output ports are utilized for specific HVAC components and functions. Advantageously, thermostats offer simplified and unified control of HVAC equipment.

HVAC components often have various configurations that require different input/output ports. Further, thermostats often will include a large number of input/output ports that are not all used when configured. A system and method that can provide a thermostat that can reassign input/output ports is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a thermostat for use with an HVAC system is provided, the thermostat includes at least one output port, wherein the at least one output port is pre-configured for a function, and a processor to reconfigure the at least one output port for an alternate function.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the alternate function can be selected remotely or locally.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the alternate function is selected remotely in response to a user request.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the user request includes a current configuration description.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the at least one output port is reconfigured in response to an HVAC system component connected to the at least one output port.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the at least one output port is an input/output port not associated with the HVAC system.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the at least one input/output port is connected to a peripheral not associated with the HVAC system.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the peripheral is selected from a group consisting of: a motion sensor, a door sensor, a window sensor, a water sensor, a baby monitor, and a sump pump overflow sensor.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the at least one input/output port is automatically reconfigured in response to the peripheral connected to the at least one input/output port.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include at least one input port, wherein the at least one input port is pre-configured for an input function and the processor is to reconfigure the at least one input port for an alternate input function.

According to an embodiment, a method to reconfigure a thermostat for use with an HVAC system includes providing at least one output port, pre-configuring the at least one output port for a function, and reconfiguring the at least one output port for an alternate function via a processor.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include selecting the alternate function remotely or locally.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the alternate function is selected remotely in response to a user request.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include submitting a current configuration description with the user request.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include reconfiguring the at least one output port in response to an HVAC system component connected to the at least one output port.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the at least one output port is an input/output port not associated with the HVAC system.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include connecting the at least one input/output port to a peripheral not associated with the HVAC system.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the peripheral is selected from a group consisting of: a motion sensor, a door sensor, a window sensor, a water sensor, a baby monitor, and a sump pump overflow sensor.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include automatically reconfiguring the at least one input/output port in response to the peripheral connected to the at least one input/output port.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include providing at least one input port, preconfiguring the at least one input port for an input function, and reconfiguring the at least one input port for an alternate input function via the processor.

Technical function of the embodiments described above includes that the at least one output port is pre-configured for a function, and a processor to reconfigure the at least one output port for an alternate function.

Other aspects, features, and techniques of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the embodiments are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a thermostat in an illustrated embodiment; and

FIG. 2 shows a method for reconfiguring input/output ports of a thermostat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a reconfigurable HVAC system 100 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the reconfigurable HVAC system 100 includes a thermostat 110, HVAC components 130, and non-HVAC components 140. Advantageously, the thermostat 110 allows for HVAC components 130 to be connected in any suitable configuration or order. Additionally, the thermostat 110 may allow the reconfigurable HVAC system 100 to function as a conventional HVAC system, but further allows additional functionality if additional input/output ports 120 are available.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thermostat 110 includes a processor 112 and a plurality of ports 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermostat 110 can be utilized to selectively engage HVAC components 130 to maintain a desired temperature or execute a predetermined temperature programming. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermostat 110 can be utilized to control non-HVAC components 140.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of input/output ports 120 can be utilized to interface between the thermostat 110 and the HVAC components 130 and between the thermostat 110 and the non-HVAC components 140. In certain embodiments, the plurality of input/output ports 120 include dedicated input/output ports 122 and a plurality of reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n. In certain embodiments, the dedicated input/output ports 122 can be connected to HVAC components and unable to be reconfigured to be connected to other components such as non-HVAC components 140. In certain embodiments, the dedicated input/output ports 122 can provide base level functionality and connectivity to HVAC components 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the dedicated input/output ports 122 are utilized as output ports to provide control signals to HVAC components 130.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thermostat 110 includes a plurality of reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n. In certain embodiments, some of the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n are attached to HVAC components 130. Further, in certain embodiments, some of the reconfigurable input/output ports 124-124 n are utilized as output ports to provide control signals to HVAC components 130. In certain embodiments, some of the reconfigurable input/output ports 124-124 n are utilized as input ports to receive control signals to HVAC components 130.

In the illustrated embodiment, some of the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n can provide interfaces and connectivity to sophisticated, customized, or otherwise unconventional HVAC components 130 that may not be common in typical HVAC systems. Therefore, in certain embodiments, some of the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n may remain unused due to HVAC system configurations and the configurations supported by the thermostat 110. For example, not all HVAC systems include multiple stages of cooling or heating, therefore input/output ports utilized for such control are not needed.

In certain embodiments, the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n can be utilized to simplify installation of the thermostat 110. In certain embodiments, wires from the HVAC components 130, such as W1, W2, Y1, Y2, etc. can be connected to the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n in any suitable order. The order can be predetermined, non-standard or otherwise randomized. In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 112 can be utilized to reconfigure the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n for proper operation either automatically or via information provided by a local user or technician to communicate the wires connected to the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n.

In the illustrated embodiment, a number of reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n are not connected to HVAC components 130. Advantageously, such unused input/output ports are able to be reconfigured for use with non-HVAC components 140.

In the illustrated embodiment, the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n that are not associated with the HVAC components 130 can be associated with the at least one of the non-HVAC components 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-HVAC components 140 can include a window sensor 140 a, a door sensor 140 b, a sump pump sensor 140 c, a baby monitor 140 d, and a motion sensor 140 e. The non-HVAC components 140 can include any suitable component. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermostat 110 can monitor, control, and otherwise communicate with non-HVAC components 140 via the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thermostat 110 includes a processor 112 to execute programs, control thermostat 110 functions and interface with non-HVAC components 140. Advantageously, in the illustrated embodiment, the processor 112 can reconfigure the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n as required. For example, in certain embodiments, the processor 112 can reconfigure the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n for a respective HVAC component 130. For example, if an HVAC component 130 is plugged into a reconfigurable input/output port 124 a-124 n previously configured for a different HVAC component 130, the processor 112 can reconfigure the reconfigurable input/output port 124 a-124 n for the appropriate configuration for the respective HVAC component 130. Further, if a component from the non-HVAC component group 140 is plugged in, the processor 112 can reconfigure the reconfigurable input/output port 124 a-124 n from an HVAC input/output port configuration for a configuration for a respective non-HVAC component 140.

In certain embodiments, the processor 112 can utilize specific programming in response to which components 130,140 are connected to the thermostat via the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n. In certain embodiments, the processor 112 can include a library of predefined programs to execute based on the components 130,140 associated with the thermostat 110. In certain embodiments, such predefined programs can be executed automatically in response to the configuration of the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n. In certain embodiments, the processor 112 is connected to a network, to allow further programming to be downloaded to allow additional components 130,140 to interface with the thermostat 110 via the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n. Additionally, the processor 112 and the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n may be reconfigured either locally or remotely via the network.

In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 112 is in communication with a remote configuration provider 160 to reconfigure the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n in response to the components 130,140 attached. For example, if HVAC components 130 are connected to the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n in a manner inconsistent with the default configuration, the remote configuration provider 160 in conjunction with the processor 112 can reconfigure the reconfigurable input/output ports 124 a-124 n. Advantageously, HVAC component wires (W1, W2, Y1, Y2, etc.) can be connected in any desired sequence and then the ports 124 a-124 n can be reconfigured.

In certain embodiments, the current configuration of components 130,140 connected to the thermostat 110 can be communicated to the remote configuration provider 160. In certain embodiments, an end user or a technician can communicate the current configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, a camera 150, including, but not limited to a camera associated with a mobile device such as a cellular phone can be utilized to provide a visual description of the current configuration of components 130,140 connected to the thermostat 110. The visual description can accompany the user request to provide information to the remote configuration provider 160.

Referring to FIG. 2 a method 200 for reconfiguring input/output ports of a thermostat is shown. In operation 202, at least one input/output port is provided, wherein the at least one input/output port is reconfigurable.

In operation 204, at least one input/output port is preconfigured for a function. In certain embodiments, some of the reconfigurable input/output ports are attached to HVAC components. In the illustrated embodiment, some of the reconfigurable input/output ports can provide interfaces and connectivity to sophisticated, customized, or otherwise unconventional HVAC components that may not be common in typical HVAC systems.

In operation 206 the at least one input/output is connected to a peripheral associated with the HVAC system. In certain embodiments, the reconfigurable input/output ports can be utilized to simplify installation of the thermostat. In certain embodiments, wires from the HVAC components, such as W1, W2, Y1, Y2, etc. can be connected to the reconfigurable input/output ports in any suitable order.

In operation 208, the at least one input/output port is connected to a peripheral not associated with the HVAC system. In the illustrated embodiment, the reconfigurable input/output ports that are not associated with the HVAC components can be associated with the at least one of the non-HVAC components.

In operation 210 the current wiring configuration is sent with a user request. In certain embodiments, the current configuration of components connected to the thermostat can be communicated to the remote configuration provider. In certain embodiments, an end user or a technician can communicate the current configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, a camera can be utilized to provide a visual description of the current configuration of components connected to the thermostat.

In operation 212, the alternate functionality of the input/output ports is selected either remotely or locally.

In operation 214, the at least one input/output port is reconfigured for an alternate function via a processor. Advantageously, in the illustrated embodiment, the processor can reconfigure the reconfigurable input/output ports as required. For example, in certain embodiments, the processor can reconfigure the reconfigurable input/output ports for a respective HVAC component. For example, if an HVAC component is plugged into a reconfigurable input/output port previously configured for a different HVAC component, the processor can reconfigure the reconfigurable input/output port for the appropriate configuration for the respective HVAC component. Further, if a component from the non-HVAC component group is plugged in, the processor can reconfigure the reconfigurable input/output port from an HVAC input/output port configuration for a configuration for a respective non-HVAC component. In certain embodiments, such a reconfiguration can be automatically performed by the thermostat and processor.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments. While the description of the present embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangement not hereto described will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments. Additionally, while various embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that aspects may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but are only limited by the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A thermostat for use with an HVAC system, the thermostat comprising: at least one output port, wherein the at least one output port is pre-configured for a function; and a processor to reconfigure the at least one output port for an alternate function.
 2. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the alternate function can be selected remotely or locally.
 3. The thermostat of claim 2, wherein the alternate function is selected remotely in response to a user request.
 4. The thermostat of claim 3, wherein the user request includes a current configuration description.
 5. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the at least one output port is reconfigured in response to an HVAC system component connected to the at least one output port.
 6. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the at least one output port is an input/output port not associated with the HVAC system.
 7. The thermostat of claim 6, wherein the at least one input/output port is connected to a peripheral not associated with the HVAC system.
 8. The thermostat of claim 7, wherein the peripheral is selected from a group consisting of: a motion sensor, a door sensor, a window sensor, a water sensor, a baby monitor, and a sump pump overflow sensor.
 9. The thermostat of claim 7, wherein the at least one input/output port is automatically reconfigured in response to the peripheral connected to the at least one input/output port.
 10. The thermostat of claim 1, further comprising at least one input port, wherein the at least one input port is pre-configured for an input function and the processor is to reconfigure the at least one input port for an alternate input function.
 11. A method to reconfigure a thermostat for use with an HVAC system, the method comprising: providing at least one output port; pre-configuring the at least one output port for a function; and reconfiguring the at least one output port for an alternate function via a processor.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising selecting the alternate function remotely or locally.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the alternate function is selected remotely in response to a user request.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising submitting a current configuration description with the user request.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising reconfiguring the at least one output port in response to an HVAC system component connected to the at least one output port.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one output port is an input/output port not associated with the HVAC system.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising connecting the at least one input/output port to a peripheral not associated with the HVAC system.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the peripheral is selected from a group consisting of: a motion sensor, a door sensor, a window sensor, a water sensor, a baby monitor, and a sump pump overflow sensor.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising automatically reconfiguring the at least one input/output port in response to the peripheral connected to the at least one input/output port.
 20. The method of claim 11, further comprising: providing at least one input port; preconfiguring the at least one input port for an input function; and reconfiguring the at least one input port for an alternate input function via the processor. 